This might be a bit off topic but was wondering.... (since I have two speedlites and use quite a bit batteries)....
If you're using single use batteries (not rechargeables) do you discard of them once you see that they no longer provide sufficient power to recharge your speedlite at a decent interval?

I am thinking to myself that those are probably still in half good condition and could run in less demanding applications for a while (like remotes etc..).

Anyone ever tested their batteries to see how much juice is still left, even if no longer really good enough for a speedlite?

Thanks!

scottam10Registered: Oct 01, 2012Total Posts: 840Country: Australia

Rechargeables are the way to go...NiMH batteries will recycle your flash faster and give you more life than non-rechargeable alkalines. Buy a couple of sets and you're good to go.

I think there's still decent life left in used non-rechargeables. My speedlite uses up one battery more than the others - if you have a battery tester you can see if there is 1 dead battery and 3 that are in good shape

baumentRegistered: Jul 16, 2006Total Posts: 172Country: United States

They sure don't last as long as new, but I have a whole box full in the studio that I use for pocketwizards. At home they go in a bucket for the grandkids' toys ; )

I can't figure out why anyone would not use rechargeable batteries in speedlights.

Anyway, yes, they still have use after speedlights. Remotes for instants don't need much power at all.

sic0048Registered: Oct 19, 2011Total Posts: 247Country: United States

Seriously, you need to switch to rechargeables! Best $20 (plus the cost of a good charger) you can spend. The cost savings with rechargeables is pretty large and you help with the environment. A win-win situation.

i would strongly recommend Powerex or Eneloops rechargables. you won't regret it

ether1Registered: Sep 02, 2012Total Posts: 199Country: United States

in my defense - I am able to get AA batteries for super cheap.

swoopRegistered: Feb 11, 2005Total Posts: 1627Country: United States

I use rechargeable. It's a huge cost upfront but in the end it's a lot cheaper. Just like digital vs film.

grog13Registered: Oct 06, 2009Total Posts: 321Country: United States

Don't mean to preach, but there's no defending the environmental damage of landfilled batteries. And you couldn't possibly be getting them cheap enough to beat the long-term cost of rechargeables. Here's +1 for Eneloops, and greenbatteries.com also has good ones. Duracell rechargeables are practically useless in my experience.

BrianORegistered: Aug 21, 2008Total Posts: 8566Country: United States

ether1 wrote: ...If you're using single use batteries (not rechargeables) do you discard of them once you see that they no longer provide sufficient power to recharge your speedlite at a decent interval?

I use Eneloops for the most part, but when I do use alkalines, yes, I repurpose them after they come out of my Speedlites. TV remote first, then on to LED flashlights, which can squeeze even more life out of them.

blob loblawRegistered: Aug 19, 2007Total Posts: 340Country: N/A

rechargables or alkalines everyone should have one of these so they don't end up throwing away good batteries.